The High Priest
Aaron, the brother of
Moses, was the first high priest in Israel. He was succeeded by his eldest
(surviving) son, Eleazar. The high priest (Heb. hakkohen, "the priest," hakkohen
haggadol, "the great Priest") had the highest position in the Israelite hierarchy.
Like a king in his coronation the high priest also was anointed. He wore special
garments, had a crown, and a
breastplate which contained the
urim and the
thummim. He entered
the holy of holies in person on Yom Kippur to make atonement for the sins of his own house as
well as the sins of the nation.